Dear Saltwater Community,

We hope that you and your family are well. As we continue to help slow the spread of the coronavirus through observing social distancing, we want to let you know about ways that you can stay connected through Saltwater Church.

Worship (saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/) Church zoom room  
Each Sunday we are offering online worship through zoom at 10:30 am. More information below about how to connect through the zoom room.

April 5: “Breaking Open,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
Sometimes difficult experiences feel like they break us, while others break us open. Together we will explore the layers of grief that many of us are experiencing now, and the importance of working with our emotions as a source of healing.

April 12: “Looking Toward Resurrection,” Rev. Kristen Kuriga
This Easter, it feels like we are at the empty tomb sitting in the mystery and wondering where Jesus has gone. Has the resurrection happened? We will explore what messages the Easter story has for us. Where do we find hope?  What did Jesus teach, and what do those teachings ask of us in these times?

April: What Does it Mean to be a People of Liberation?
This month we are exploring the theme of liberation. Is there a difference between liberation and freedom? Is liberation individual or collective? What does liberation mean as we navigate this pandemic? We will explore ways that we can live into liberation through working with our emotions, engaging in spiritual practice, caring for one another and the earth, and advocating for justice. Soul Matters describes the practice of liberation as accepting that we are already enough, and the process of realizing that the freedom of others and our own is one and the same.

Support for Children, Youth, and Families
Family Ministries Zoom Room (https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2349227683)

Religious Education Class for Kids and their Grown-Ups
Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, family ministries zoom room

Junior and Senior High Youth Group
Sundays at 12 pm, family ministries zoom room

Family support circles
Thursdays at 6:30 pm, family ministries zoom room

Parents Facebook Group
You can also connect with other church families with children and youth for support through the Parents facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SUUCFamilyMatters/

Ways to Connect

Support Circles (church zoom room)
We are offering a series of drop-in support circles on zoom. The format is simple: a chalice lighting, check-in, and a reflection question on our theme for this month. The circles are offered on Tuesday and Thursdays at lunch time, and on Tuesday evenings.

Tuesday, April 7, 12:30-1:30 pm
Tuesday, April 7, 7-8 pm
Thursday, April 9, 12:30-1:30 pm

SCAN! Meeting (church zoom room)
Sunday, April 5, 12-2 pm
Drop in and join us online for our monthly SCAN! (Saltwater Climate Action Now!) meeting. No formal agenda, just a check-in to see how we’re all doing and then discuss any climate issues that anyone attending would like to bring up. All are welcome!

Al-Anon Support Group (church zoom room)
Mondays, 6-7 pm  

Creative Hands (church zoom room)
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30 pm
We will support one another in our creative ventures, as well as discuss ways that we can help our communities during this time. Debra Valpey can offer basic knitting lessons.

Meditation Group (church zoom room)
Tuesdays, 8-9 pm
Join the meditation group on zoom to help nourish your spirit. The group will have a teaching, sitting meditation, walking meditation, and an opportunity to share.

Writer’s Group (church zoom room)
Wednesdays, 9:30 am- 12pm
The Writer’s group is now meeting on zoom. All are welcome!

Choir Fellowship (church zoom room)
Thursdays, 7-8 pm
Members of the choir are invited to join Tom Burt, Music Director, for a time of connection and fellowship.

Over Eaters Anonymous (church zoom room)
Fridays, 5-6 pm

Introduction to the Jewish Experience offered by Bet Chaverim Synagogue
Sundays at 2 pm, series began on March 29
This series of classes is designed for people who are interested in converting to Judaism, already Jewish and looking to deepen their knowledge, and anyone interested in learning about Judaism and its foundations. Classes will be offered through Bet Chaverim’s zoom room. If you haven’t already signed up and you are interested — please e-mail: melissabrooks25@gmail.com. The cost of the class is $10 per session.
 
Pledge Drive Follow-up
Thank to those of you who have already turned in your pledge cards. We are so grateful for the generosity, care, and commitment of the members and friends of this community that allows us to continue to do the essential work of fostering connection and care, nurturing spiritual growth, and acting for justice. This is the final week of the pledge drive. The easiest way to let us know your pledge for the upcoming church year is to send an email to Gaye Greeves, Treasurer, gnatfw@aol.com.You can also access the pledge materials online and mail your pledge card to the church office: https://saltwaterchurch.org/stay-in-the-loop/pledge-drive-information/.

We know that for many of us this is a time of great uncertainty. If you are struggling financially, please know that a waiver is always available. If you are not able to commit to a pledge right now, we understand. It is helpful if you let us know so that we can develop a congregational budget. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org, or a member of the pledge team: Tom McDavid, Mary Paynter, Saphronia Young and Silvia McClung.

Support Available
Do you need support? Please let us know, we want to help. Are you feeling lonely or isolated? We can connect you with a lay minister or another member of the congregation. Are you in a higher risk group and do not want to venture out to the grocery store? We may be able to connect you with someone in your neighborhood to help you get the supplies you need. If you have lost income from being sick or unable to work, or do not have enough money to buy extra food and supplies, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund is available for one-time emergency support for members and friends of the church. Contact Rev. Kristen: minister@saltwaterchurch.org. Do you need to go to work but don’t have childcare? Are there other needs that your family has? Please be in touch with Melinda: melinda@saltwaterchurch.org.

Can you help?
During this time we want to make sure that everyone is connected and supported. It will take all of us to care for one another. Are you able to help other church members in your neighborhood who may be in need? Please contact Rev. Kristen if you can help: minister@saltwaterchurch.org

Saltwater Church Building & Renters
The church building is closed to all in-person programming, groups, and meetings. All staff are working from home. We will be going by the property to collect the mail and to check on the campus. Bet Chaverim Synagogue and Haitian Christians United are no longer holding in person worship services. Forest Kinderland and Himawari have canceled their programming until further notice. Planting Flowers Learning Center is on campus providing an essential service by offering childcare to parents who are working out of the home. They are following strict CDC and state licensing guidelines.

How to Access the Church Zoom Room for Worship & Support Groups
To access Zoom, go to saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/zoom-room/ and click on “To join a meeting—click here.” Or from the main church webpage, select Zoom Room from the drop down menu under “news and events” on the top menu bar. If this is your first time using Zoom, follow the prompts to download the application to your computer. It will be helpful if you have a high-speed internet connection.  For some connections, a pair of headphones will be helpful (a simple pair of earbuds will do.) 

If you would prefer to join by phone, dial 1-669-900-6833 and enter Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 when prompted.  Long distance charges may apply, so it is best to call from a cell phone.  

If you have a smartphone, you can download the Zoom app and join with Meeting ID: 736 142 4210 for video and audio connection.

How to Schedule a Meeting on Zoom

1.  Anyone with a church-oriented group can schedule the zoom room.

2.  You will need some training on how to host a zoom meeting using the church zoom
room.  Melinda has a video and hand-out: melinda@saltwaterchurchlorg

3.  Once trained, please check the church calendar to see if the room is available: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/ 

4.  Once you have a date and time, you can schedule through the room request form on the website: https://saltwaterchurch.org/calendar/calendar-request/ or contact CJ by email: administrator@saltwaterchurch.org

5.  You must schedule it at least a few days in advance.  CJ will be scheduling meetings during her regular hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9 am-2 pm.

6.  You can even schedule the zoom room for a social gathering. Folks wanting to share music, poetry, art, etc. are welcome to do that.

Staying in Touch
We will continue to provide updates. Please watch your email, the church website, and our facebook page. We also encourage you to stay informed about the recommendations being issued by King County Public Health: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx